University of Greifswald, Institute for Physics, Theory of Soft Active Matter

Position ID:

University of Greifswald-Institute for Physics, Theory of Soft Active Matter-POSTDOC [#30272, 25/B17]

Position Title:

Two-year Postdoc: Theory of Soft Active Matter

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 17489, Germany

Subject Areas:

Theoretical Physics / Complex systems including applications to biology
Soft Condensed Matter Physics
Statistical Physics
Statistical and Biological Physics
Complex Systems (more...)

Appl Deadline:

2025/09/30 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/07/22)

Position Description:

A two-year Postdoctoral position in Statistical Mechanics of Soft Active Matter with an optional extension for up to a total of six years is available at University of Greifswald, Germany, in the group of Prof. Thomas Ihle.

The position involves theoretical research on a number of topics within the field of active matter, for example, the impact of correlations on collective motion in chiral active matter and pattern formation in self-propelled particle systems with self-alignment and chemical reactions.

The successful applicant is expected to have an excellent background in Statistical Mechanics and to mostly focus on analytical work and the development of novel quantitative methods for active matter, and to a lesser extent, on computer simulations of active fluids and solids. Experience in scientific programming in C/C++, Python, Fortran, Mathematica or similar is required.

The successful candidate will either hold a PhD in Physics or a related area, or alternatively will provide evidence that the PhD will be completed within the first three months on the job. Ideally, the candidate has already worked in the area of soft active matter and is familiar with Boltzmann and Landau kinetic theory, dynamic mean-field theory and the theory of stochastic processes including Fokker-Planck Equations and path integral techniques. However, applicants from other areas of theoretical physics such as quantum field theory or theoretical high-energy physics, who are highly motivated to start a new line of research in an exciting and interdisciplinary field, are encouraged to apply.

The teaching responsibility is four credit hours per week. Possible teaching languages are German and English. Excellent communication skills are required. The salary level is TV-L 13. The start date is flexible after January 31, 2026.

To apply, submit the following documents per email to Prof. Thomas Ihle, tihle2034@gmail.com, until September 30, 2025 with reference to the job position number 25/B17: cover letter, CV, list of publications, transcripts, PhD thesis, and contact information of at least two references, and a research statement of max 3 pages, where you describe your previous achievements and outline your general research interests.

The position will remain open until it is filled.

Selected Publications:

1) R. Kürsten, J. Mihatsch, T. Ihle, Emergent flocking in mixtures of antialigning self-propelled particles, Physical Review E 111 L023402 (2025)

2) J. Mihatsch, T. Ihle, Non-reciprocal anti-aligning active mixtures: deriving the exact Boltzmann collision operator, arXiv:2505.00357

3) H-H. Boltz, B. Kohler, T. Ihle, Kinetic theory of self-propelled particles with nematic alignment, Entropy 26, 1054 (2024)

4) R. Kürsten and T. Ihle, Quantitative kinetic theory of flocking with three-particle closure, Phys. Rev. E 104, 034604 (2021)

5) R. Kürsten and T. Ihle, Dry Active Matter Exhibits a Self-Organized Cross Sea Phase, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 188003 (2020)

We are not accepting applications for this job through AcademicJobsOnline.Org right now. Please tihle2034@gmail.com.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Ihle

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: Institute for Physics,
Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 6
17489 Greifswald, Germany

Web Page: https://physik.uni-greifswald.de/arbeitsgruppen/ag-ihle/